POLICE have advised businesses in Ealing Broadway to shut early this evening amid fears that rioting could continue for a second night.

And Ealing Police Borough Commander, Andy Rowell, is urging parents to keep their children at home tonight, following the large number of youngsters reeking havoc in Ealing town centre last.

He said: "I urge you to ensure that you know where your children are during these challenging times. Please keep them at home during the evenings whilst this unrest continues so that they do not confuse a situation by being present when disorder is taking place."

The Transworld offices, next door to Ealing Police station, have already told staff to go home by 3pm so that employees are able to get home safely. But the company expects to be open as usual tomorrow.

And University of West London, in St Mary's Road, also shut down earlier today at 2pm.

Others businesses along the Broadway are expected to close by 5pm this evening.

Mr Rowell said there have been an 'unprecedented' number of arrests across London for public disorder, violence, and theft relating to other riots spreading across the capital - but no specific numbers for Ealing have been released yet.

He said: "The Met has set up an investigation team whose sole purpose will be to identify those people responsible for violence, disorder and crime.

"I understand that you will be concerned and appalled at the recent events and are looking to police to make sure you can go about your lives without fear of disruption and violence, wherever you are in the city."

Police are also urging witnesses to step forward with any information about the terrifying incidents which took place last night. Call Ealing Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Residents are reminded they should dial 999 in all emergencies.